Recently China has been experiencing a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases which, although not novel, have risen to the forefront of public health concerns. The nature of HMPV, clinical manifestation, transmission dynamics, recent epidemiological characteristics in China and beyond are reviewed in this report.
Overview of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus is a member of the family Pneumoviridae, and is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Retrospective analyses indicate that HMPV has been circulating in the human population since decades before its identification in 2001. Is a leading cause of respiratory infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and those that are immune compromised.
Clinical Manifestations
HMPV infection has a clinical presentation typical of mild upper respiratory tract symptoms to severe lower respiratory tract disease. Common symptoms include: Cough, Fever, Nasal congestion and Shortness of breath.
The infection can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and in very severe cases, such as in vulnerable populations, a hospitalization is required.
Transmission and Seasonality
HMPV is transmitted to others primarily by means of respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing. It can also spread if you direct contact contaminated surfaces or touched your nose or mouth. The virus has a seasonal pattern, with maximal activity occurring during the winter and early spring months, which may overlap with the time of year during which other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, are active.
Recent Epidemiological Trends in China
HMPV is one of the proportionately most common of respiratory infections in the winter, according to data from China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention. During the same period, HMPV was also linked with 6.2% of respiratory illness tests and 5.4% of respiratory-related hospitalizations — maintaining a greater per se in correlation with positive respiratory illness tests and respiratory related hospitalizations than other pathogens, including COVID-19, rhinovirus, and adenovirus.
The surge has boosted the numbers of hospital visits (particularly of children under 14) facilitated by this, and this has put additional stress on the healthcare facilities in those affected areas. Images of teetering hospitals that have circulated widely remind people of the earliest days of the pandemic. But health experts point out that while cases are up, HMPV doesn’t have the same global threat as COVID-19. (Business Insider)
Global Context and Comparisons
Outside of China, other countries have confirmed HMPV activity, though, again, not quite at levels we’re seeing here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States say cases of HMPV so far haven’t spiked above pre-pandemic levels and aren’t alarming. This virus is very well known to the medical community, and they know that a lot of people were exposed to it, meaning they had a little bit of immunity. (New York Post)
Note though that whereas HMPV may cause severe illness in certain individuals, it is not a pandemic virus in the same sense as novel viruses such as the SARS’s CoV -2. They differ significantly from what was seen with COVID-19 in the way the virus’ transmission dynamics and the existing immunity in the population. (Business Insider)
Preventive Measures and Public Health Recommendations
As of now there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Supportive care is primarily the concern of management aimed at alleviating symptoms. The public health authorities thus recommend –
- Hand Hygiene: Hand washing, regularly and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Coughing or sneezing into the elbow, or covering mouth and nose with a tissue.
- Avoiding Close Contact: Avoiding face-to-face contact with people with respiratory symptoms.
- Surface Disinfection: Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces by your staff is highly advised.
Particularly important for protection of high risk groups, including young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, these measures are.
HMPV cases were recently becoming more widespread in China and deserved renewed vigilance in this regard, especially as we played into the peak respiratory virus season. With heightened public concern, health experts say people shouldn’t panic, noting this is a known entity with well-defined patterns of the virus’s transmission and presentation. Strategies to manage further impact of HMPV, as well as to protect public health, continue to be surveillance, public health education, and adherence to preventive measures.
Recent Developments on HMPV Outbreak in China
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